But we’ve been out when it was hotter. Robert was (is) feeling a bit under the weather so he opted to hitch a ride rather than paddle his own boat. (I’m not sure how much longer that will be an option.)

With the river up after storms the last couple days (mostly around rather than over us), we were able to sneak back down the back channel (normally dry in the summer).

This was a little bit of the Potomac by Old Angler’s Inn that was new to Sarah and Robert. It’s always fun to do a bit of exploring.

Robert has been 12 for a full week and I’ve neglected to post any b-day pictures yet. I’ll start with this, proving it’s been a busy week (look closely, he’s practicing the fine art of reading with his eyes closed — reading with his mind, he says).

And I’m sorry say no pictures from his party this year. With the release of the new Star Trek movie, Robert opted for a movie birthday party. Sarah gets mad props for arranging assigned seats and finding a place with table to put out the cake after the movie.

Robert: They have welding classes [at the tech shop where he’s taking a week long summer session]
Sarah: Welding?!?
Robert: You could take welding while I learn about laser cutting.
Sarah: I’d love to learn to weld.
Robert: Oh!!! I have this idea for a table but no way to connect the pieces.
Sarah: Welders normally get about $45 per hour.
Robert: You’re my mom…

Alexandria had their annual Tons of Trucks exhibit today. While it was hot, it was also cool.

If you know what I mean.

Sorry, that was a cheap shot.

Robert had fun with the SWAT truck; the street cleaner — they practice driving from the “wrong” side and have trouble when they switch back to the normal side for driving. Look at the street cleaner you see next time and see if it has steering wheels on both sides as well.

The fire truck was fun, but we were too late to get a ride in the cherry picker.

All the folks we talked with were nice and enthusiastic, for which I give them mad props as it was hot and everyone wanted to toot the horn or turn on the siren when they had a chance.

The nice guy from the pot hole repair crew was clearly into his job and being there and was happy to explain how hot the asphalt has to be and when they use which tamper to pack and flatten a patch.

And the sewer inspector knows our street and is convinced the sewer line was put down before the road was planned out because it’s got this crazy angle…

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